Originally Posted by
dc333
I'm pretty certain that the 12:18PM ETD is based on exactly X number of hours from when the crew began their required rest period. I don't think it'll be possible for them to begin their next duty period any earlier than what's posted.
Crew rest periods should not be a problem because transatlantic/transpacific crews usually RON which means they are there 24 hours. However, if one of the pilots is sick and cannot make the return trip, UA would have to dead-head in a new pilot to take his place and that could cause a crew rest violation.
My guess is that it is a pilot that is the problem as the F/As are usually staffed above minimum on international flights and one less F/A than expected would not delay the flight.